Is there a difference between must and may in limiting phrases?
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I have a question about term of use in online contracts
I see often the term
" you may only have one account"
is it as stronger as
"you must only have one account"?
is it possible consider " you may only have one account" more like a suggestion than a strict obligation?
meaning
edited Jul 20 '18 at 11:27
Thinkeye
95958
asked Jul 20 '18 at 9:43
William BousquetWilliam Bousquet
41
bumped to the homepage by Community♦ 12 mins ago
This question has answers that may be good or bad; the system has marked it active so that they can be reviewed.
add a comment |
I have a question about term of use in online contracts
I see often the term
" you may only have one account"
is it as stronger as
"you must only have one account"?
is it possible consider " you may only have one account" more like a suggestion than a strict obligation?
meaning
edited Jul 20 '18 at 11:27
Thinkeye
95958
asked Jul 20 '18 at 9:43
William BousquetWilliam Bousquet
41
bumped to the homepage by Community♦ 12 mins ago
This question has answers that may be good or bad; the system has marked it active so that they can be reviewed.
'May' in this context appears to mean 'are permitted to', so I do not think it can be interpreted as a suggestion.
– Kate Bunting
Jul 20 '18 at 10:38
related: What is the difference between 'can', 'could', 'may' and 'might'? and What is the difference between “have to”, “must”, and “should”?
– Mari-Lou A
Jul 20 '18 at 11:23
Also related, very closely: “May not” — no choice vs. mere restriction
– Mari-Lou A
Jul 20 '18 at 11:50
It depends on who's speaking. If it's your mother they mean the same thing.
– Hot Licks
Jul 20 '18 at 12:12
Have you checked the two words in a good dictionary?
– Kris
Jul 20 '18 at 13:07
add a comment |
I have a question about term of use in online contracts
I see often the term
" you may only have one account"
is it as stronger as
"you must only have one account"?
is it possible consider " you may only have one account" more like a suggestion than a strict obligation?
meaning
edited Jul 20 '18 at 11:27
Thinkeye
95958
asked Jul 20 '18 at 9:43
William BousquetWilliam Bousquet
41
I have a question about term of use in online contracts
I see often the term
" you may only have one account"
is it as stronger as
"you must only have one account"?
is it possible consider " you may only have one account" more like a suggestion than a strict obligation?
meaning
meaning
edited Jul 20 '18 at 11:27
Thinkeye
95958
asked Jul 20 '18 at 9:43
William BousquetWilliam Bousquet
41
edited Jul 20 '18 at 11:27
Thinkeye
95958
asked Jul 20 '18 at 9:43
William BousquetWilliam Bousquet
41
edited Jul 20 '18 at 11:27
Thinkeye
95958
edited Jul 20 '18 at 11:27
Thinkeye
95958
edited Jul 20 '18 at 11:27
Thinkeye
95958
95958
asked Jul 20 '18 at 9:43
William BousquetWilliam Bousquet
41
asked Jul 20 '18 at 9:43
William BousquetWilliam Bousquet
41
asked Jul 20 '18 at 9:43
William BousquetWilliam Bousquet
41
41
bumped to the homepage by Community♦ 12 mins ago
This question has answers that may be good or bad; the system has marked it active so that they can be reviewed.
bumped to the homepage by Community♦ 12 mins ago
This question has answers that may be good or bad; the system has marked it active so that they can be reviewed.
'May' in this context appears to mean 'are permitted to', so I do not think it can be interpreted as a suggestion.
– Kate Bunting
Jul 20 '18 at 10:38
related: What is the difference between 'can', 'could', 'may' and 'might'? and What is the difference between “have to”, “must”, and “should”?
– Mari-Lou A
Jul 20 '18 at 11:23
Also related, very closely: “May not” — no choice vs. mere restriction
– Mari-Lou A
Jul 20 '18 at 11:50
It depends on who's speaking. If it's your mother they mean the same thing.
– Hot Licks
Jul 20 '18 at 12:12
Have you checked the two words in a good dictionary?
– Kris
Jul 20 '18 at 13:07
add a comment |
'May' in this context appears to mean 'are permitted to', so I do not think it can be interpreted as a suggestion.
– Kate Bunting
Jul 20 '18 at 10:38
related: What is the difference between 'can', 'could', 'may' and 'might'? and What is the difference between “have to”, “must”, and “should”?
– Mari-Lou A
Jul 20 '18 at 11:23
Also related, very closely: “May not” — no choice vs. mere restriction
– Mari-Lou A
Jul 20 '18 at 11:50
It depends on who's speaking. If it's your mother they mean the same thing.
– Hot Licks
Jul 20 '18 at 12:12
Have you checked the two words in a good dictionary?
– Kris
Jul 20 '18 at 13:07
'May' in this context appears to mean 'are permitted to', so I do not think it can be interpreted as a suggestion.
– Kate Bunting
Jul 20 '18 at 10:38
'May' in this context appears to mean 'are permitted to', so I do not think it can be interpreted as a suggestion.
– Kate Bunting
Jul 20 '18 at 10:38
related: What is the difference between 'can', 'could', 'may' and 'might'? and What is the difference between “have to”, “must”, and “should”?
– Mari-Lou A
Jul 20 '18 at 11:23
related: What is the difference between 'can', 'could', 'may' and 'might'? and What is the difference between “have to”, “must”, and “should”?
– Mari-Lou A
Jul 20 '18 at 11:23
Also related, very closely: “May not” — no choice vs. mere restriction
– Mari-Lou A
Jul 20 '18 at 11:50
Also related, very closely: “May not” — no choice vs. mere restriction
– Mari-Lou A
Jul 20 '18 at 11:50
It depends on who's speaking. If it's your mother they mean the same thing.
– Hot Licks
Jul 20 '18 at 12:12
It depends on who's speaking. If it's your mother they mean the same thing.
– Hot Licks
Jul 20 '18 at 12:12
Have you checked the two words in a good dictionary?
– Kris
Jul 20 '18 at 13:07
Have you checked the two words in a good dictionary?
– Kris
Jul 20 '18 at 13:07
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
No, "you may only have only one account" is not merely a suggestion. It is the preferred way to say this. It rules out the possibility of having two or more accounts.
"You must have only one account" would rule out the possibility of having no account at all.
answered Jul 20 '18 at 10:38
GEdgarGEdgar
13.9k22045
add a comment |
must v. may
must TFD:
- To be obliged or required by morality, law, or custom:
- To be compelled, as by a physical necessity or requirement:
- Used to express a command or admonition:
- To be determined to; have as a fixed resolve; inevitability or certainty; logical probability or presumptive certainty
and
may TFD
To be allowed or permitted to:- Used to express possibility or probability:
- Used to express a desire or fervent wish:
- Used to express contingency, purpose,
Some overlap, some confusion, but in a contract: " you may only have one account" is not a suggestion. If you choose to enter into this contract you will (may) have one account.
answered Jul 20 '18 at 11:15
lbflbf
22.4k22575
@Mari-LouA edited to attempt to correct 'oversimplied and mistaken'.
– lbf
Jul 20 '18 at 11:43
add a comment |
If the "only" is removed from these sentences:
"You may have one account" - permission.
"You must have one account" - obligation.
If "only" is added,
You may only have one account = You must not have more than one account.
The "must" is already implied in the sentence.
answered Jul 20 '18 at 12:00
kukikuki
273
add a comment |
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3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
No, "you may only have only one account" is not merely a suggestion. It is the preferred way to say this. It rules out the possibility of having two or more accounts.
"You must have only one account" would rule out the possibility of having no account at all.
answered Jul 20 '18 at 10:38
GEdgarGEdgar
13.9k22045
add a comment |
No, "you may only have only one account" is not merely a suggestion. It is the preferred way to say this. It rules out the possibility of having two or more accounts.
"You must have only one account" would rule out the possibility of having no account at all.
answered Jul 20 '18 at 10:38
GEdgarGEdgar
13.9k22045
add a comment |
No, "you may only have only one account" is not merely a suggestion. It is the preferred way to say this. It rules out the possibility of having two or more accounts.
"You must have only one account" would rule out the possibility of having no account at all.
answered Jul 20 '18 at 10:38
GEdgarGEdgar
13.9k22045
No, "you may only have only one account" is not merely a suggestion. It is the preferred way to say this. It rules out the possibility of having two or more accounts.
"You must have only one account" would rule out the possibility of having no account at all.
answered Jul 20 '18 at 10:38
GEdgarGEdgar
13.9k22045
answered Jul 20 '18 at 10:38
GEdgarGEdgar
13.9k22045
answered Jul 20 '18 at 10:38
GEdgarGEdgar
13.9k22045
answered Jul 20 '18 at 10:38
GEdgarGEdgar
13.9k22045
13.9k22045
add a comment |
add a comment |
must v. may
must TFD:
- To be obliged or required by morality, law, or custom:
- To be compelled, as by a physical necessity or requirement:
- Used to express a command or admonition:
- To be determined to; have as a fixed resolve; inevitability or certainty; logical probability or presumptive certainty
and
may TFD
To be allowed or permitted to:- Used to express possibility or probability:
- Used to express a desire or fervent wish:
- Used to express contingency, purpose,
Some overlap, some confusion, but in a contract: " you may only have one account" is not a suggestion. If you choose to enter into this contract you will (may) have one account.
answered Jul 20 '18 at 11:15
lbflbf
22.4k22575
@Mari-LouA edited to attempt to correct 'oversimplied and mistaken'.
– lbf
Jul 20 '18 at 11:43
add a comment |
must v. may
must TFD:
- To be obliged or required by morality, law, or custom:
- To be compelled, as by a physical necessity or requirement:
- Used to express a command or admonition:
- To be determined to; have as a fixed resolve; inevitability or certainty; logical probability or presumptive certainty
and
may TFD
To be allowed or permitted to:- Used to express possibility or probability:
- Used to express a desire or fervent wish:
- Used to express contingency, purpose,
Some overlap, some confusion, but in a contract: " you may only have one account" is not a suggestion. If you choose to enter into this contract you will (may) have one account.
answered Jul 20 '18 at 11:15
lbflbf
22.4k22575
@Mari-LouA edited to attempt to correct 'oversimplied and mistaken'.
– lbf
Jul 20 '18 at 11:43
add a comment |
must v. may
must TFD:
- To be obliged or required by morality, law, or custom:
- To be compelled, as by a physical necessity or requirement:
- Used to express a command or admonition:
- To be determined to; have as a fixed resolve; inevitability or certainty; logical probability or presumptive certainty
and
may TFD
To be allowed or permitted to:- Used to express possibility or probability:
- Used to express a desire or fervent wish:
- Used to express contingency, purpose,
Some overlap, some confusion, but in a contract: " you may only have one account" is not a suggestion. If you choose to enter into this contract you will (may) have one account.
answered Jul 20 '18 at 11:15
lbflbf
22.4k22575
must v. may
must TFD:
- To be obliged or required by morality, law, or custom:
- To be compelled, as by a physical necessity or requirement:
- Used to express a command or admonition:
- To be determined to; have as a fixed resolve; inevitability or certainty; logical probability or presumptive certainty
and
may TFD
To be allowed or permitted to:- Used to express possibility or probability:
- Used to express a desire or fervent wish:
- Used to express contingency, purpose,
Some overlap, some confusion, but in a contract: " you may only have one account" is not a suggestion. If you choose to enter into this contract you will (may) have one account.
answered Jul 20 '18 at 11:15
lbflbf
22.4k22575
edited Jul 20 '18 at 11:42
answered Jul 20 '18 at 11:15
lbflbf
22.4k22575
answered Jul 20 '18 at 11:15
lbflbf
22.4k22575
answered Jul 20 '18 at 11:15
lbflbf
22.4k22575
22.4k22575
@Mari-LouA edited to attempt to correct 'oversimplied and mistaken'.
– lbf
Jul 20 '18 at 11:43
add a comment |
@Mari-LouA edited to attempt to correct 'oversimplied and mistaken'.
– lbf
Jul 20 '18 at 11:43
@Mari-LouA edited to attempt to correct 'oversimplied and mistaken'.
– lbf
Jul 20 '18 at 11:43
@Mari-LouA edited to attempt to correct 'oversimplied and mistaken'.
– lbf
Jul 20 '18 at 11:43
add a comment |
If the "only" is removed from these sentences:
"You may have one account" - permission.
"You must have one account" - obligation.
If "only" is added,
You may only have one account = You must not have more than one account.
The "must" is already implied in the sentence.
answered Jul 20 '18 at 12:00
kukikuki
273
add a comment |
If the "only" is removed from these sentences:
"You may have one account" - permission.
"You must have one account" - obligation.
If "only" is added,
You may only have one account = You must not have more than one account.
The "must" is already implied in the sentence.
answered Jul 20 '18 at 12:00
kukikuki
273
add a comment |
If the "only" is removed from these sentences:
"You may have one account" - permission.
"You must have one account" - obligation.
If "only" is added,
You may only have one account = You must not have more than one account.
The "must" is already implied in the sentence.
answered Jul 20 '18 at 12:00
kukikuki
273
If the "only" is removed from these sentences:
"You may have one account" - permission.
"You must have one account" - obligation.
If "only" is added,
You may only have one account = You must not have more than one account.
The "must" is already implied in the sentence.
answered Jul 20 '18 at 12:00
kukikuki
273
edited Jul 20 '18 at 15:11
answered Jul 20 '18 at 12:00
kukikuki
273
answered Jul 20 '18 at 12:00
kukikuki
273
answered Jul 20 '18 at 12:00
kukikuki
273
273
add a comment |
add a comment |
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'May' in this context appears to mean 'are permitted to', so I do not think it can be interpreted as a suggestion.
– Kate Bunting
Jul 20 '18 at 10:38
related: What is the difference between 'can', 'could', 'may' and 'might'? and What is the difference between “have to”, “must”, and “should”?
– Mari-Lou A
Jul 20 '18 at 11:23
Also related, very closely: “May not” — no choice vs. mere restriction
– Mari-Lou A
Jul 20 '18 at 11:50
It depends on who's speaking. If it's your mother they mean the same thing.
– Hot Licks
Jul 20 '18 at 12:12
Have you checked the two words in a good dictionary?
– Kris
Jul 20 '18 at 13:07